Power Dynamics in Bihar's Grand Alliance: Tejashwi Yadav Dominates Manifesto Visuals Over Rahul Gandhi

The Grand Alliance has released its manifesto ahead of the NDA, but the visual presentation featuring Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi may attract criticism. On the cover, Tejashwi Yadav's image is prominently displayed while Rahul Gandhi appears only as a small thumbnail in the left corner.

Previously, when Rahul Gandhi's image was absent from opposition posters during the Chief Ministerial candidate announcement, the BJP seized the opportunity to mock the alliance. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla had commented on social media platform X: "Joint PC? But only one picture. Rahul Gandhi & Congress ka 'samman chori'. Showed Congress & Rahul his place?"

Poonawalla even alleged that the RJD "virtually bullied and threatened Congress" to accept Tejashwi Yadav as its face, claiming that RJD had issued a "chilling threat" about giving Congress "zero seats" if they didn't comply.

The Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) continues to struggle with seat-sharing arrangements, resulting in both Congress and RJD fielding candidates independently in some constituencies. This issue, along with Rahul Gandhi's minimal visual presence, has been challenging for Congress to address.

Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera defended the situation by explaining that since Gandhi is not running for Chief Minister, his presence is not required on all materials. Khera dismissed the poster controversy as inconsequential, particularly among younger voters in Bihar.

Regarding the "friendly fights" between RJD and Congress in approximately twelve assembly constituencies, both Khera and Tejashwi Yadav suggested these were strategic decisions based on "local dynamics" of specific seats. Khera told NDTV in an exclusive interview: "These decisions are taken with absolute clear analysis of what equations are working on which seat. And that's how these decisions are taken."